10572138

Utilizing Dynamic Granularity for Application Controls

PublishedFebruary 25, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
19 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A computer-implemented method, comprising: receiving, at an electronic device, electronic content being associated with a control interface covering a given area, the control interface comprising a scrollbar for adjusting playback of the electronic content, the scrollbar being displayed in a first view with a first range that covers the given area, the first range having a first start time; receiving, by the electronic device, first input to the scrollbar, the first input comprising touch input associated with a touch duration; in response to determining that the touch duration exceeds a threshold value, providing, by the electronic device, an adjustment interface to the electronic device, the adjustment interface comprising a plurality of scroll areas for adjusting a focus of the control interface; receiving, by the electronic device, second input at the adjustment interface, the second input comprising an indication of interaction with the at least one of the plurality of scroll areas; and in response to the second input, modifying, by the electronic device, the focus of the scrollbar to display a second view of the scrollbar, the scrollbar being displayed in the second view with a second range, the second view having a same granularity as the first view and a second start time, the second start time being different from the first start time.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for enhancing the usability of a scrollbar in electronic content playback interfaces. The problem addressed is the difficulty in precisely navigating long-duration content, such as videos or audio files, using a standard scrollbar that spans the entire content duration. The solution provides a dynamic adjustment interface that allows users to refine the scrollbar's focus area for more precise navigation. The method involves receiving electronic content associated with a control interface that includes a scrollbar covering the full duration of the content. The scrollbar is initially displayed in a first view with a default range spanning the entire content duration. When a user provides touch input to the scrollbar with a duration exceeding a predefined threshold, an adjustment interface is triggered. This interface presents multiple scroll areas, each representing different segments of the content. The user can then interact with one of these scroll areas to modify the scrollbar's focus. In response, the scrollbar transitions to a second view, maintaining the same granularity but shifting its range to a new start time, allowing for more precise navigation within the selected segment. This approach improves user control over content playback by enabling dynamic zooming into specific time ranges while preserving the scrollbar's original precision.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising: determining an additional display that comprises a comparison between a third view of the scrollbar and the second view of the scrollbar, the third view providing an entire representation of the scrollbar; and providing, by the electronic device, the additional display.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to user interface enhancements for scrollbars in electronic devices. The problem addressed is the lack of visual context when navigating long documents or content, where users may lose track of their position or the overall structure of the content. The method involves displaying a scrollbar with a first view that shows a partial representation of the scrollbar, indicating the current position within the content. A second view of the scrollbar is then displayed, providing a more detailed or expanded representation of the scrollbar, which may include additional visual indicators such as markers, labels, or sections to help users understand their position and navigate more efficiently. The second view may be triggered by user interaction, such as hovering or clicking, or automatically displayed under certain conditions. Additionally, the method includes determining an additional display that compares a third view of the scrollbar with the second view. The third view provides a complete representation of the scrollbar, allowing users to see the entire content structure at once. This comparison helps users understand how their current position fits within the broader context. The electronic device then provides this additional display to the user, enhancing navigation and usability. The method may also include adjusting the scrollbar's appearance or functionality based on user preferences or content characteristics.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein determining the adjustment interface for the scrollbar comprises determining a navigational interface for scrolling to different portions of the control interface while maintaining the same granularity for each scrolled view of the scrollbar.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to user interface navigation, specifically improving scrollbar functionality in digital control interfaces. The problem addressed is the lack of consistent granularity when scrolling through different portions of a control interface, which can lead to inefficient navigation and user frustration. The method involves dynamically adjusting a scrollbar interface to maintain uniform granularity across all scrolled views. This ensures that the level of detail or zoom remains consistent regardless of which section of the interface is being navigated. The scrollbar acts as a navigational tool, allowing users to move between different portions of the control interface while preserving the same level of precision in each view. This approach enhances usability by providing a predictable and seamless scrolling experience, particularly in complex interfaces where multiple sections or layers of content exist. The solution is implemented through computer algorithms that analyze the interface structure and adjust the scrollbar parameters accordingly to achieve this consistency.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. A system, comprising: a processor; and a memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to, at least: provide a control interface capable of manipulating electronic content, the control interface provided in a first view of a plurality of views and encompassing a first range and a first start location, the control interface covering a given area; receive first user input at the control interface, the first user input indicating at least a request to manipulate the control interface; in response to determining that a duration of the first user input exceeds a threshold value, provide an adjustment interface, the adjustment interface comprising a plurality of scroll areas for adjusting a focal point of the control interface; receive second user input at the adjustment interface; and in response to the second user input, scroll the first view of the control interface to display a second view of the plurality of views, the second view encompassing a second range of the control interface to be displayed, the second view having a same granularity as the first view and a second start location, the second start location being different from the first start location, the second view covering the given area.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for manipulating electronic content within a user interface, particularly for adjusting the focal point of a control interface to navigate between different views of the content. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently navigating large or complex electronic content by providing a dynamic adjustment interface that allows users to refine their view without disrupting the overall layout or granularity of the displayed content. The system includes a processor and memory storing instructions that, when executed, enable the system to provide a control interface in a first view, covering a specific area and encompassing a defined range and start location. The control interface allows users to interact with electronic content. Upon receiving user input at the control interface, the system determines if the input duration exceeds a threshold. If so, it presents an adjustment interface featuring multiple scroll areas, which users can manipulate to adjust the focal point of the control interface. When the user provides input via the adjustment interface, the system scrolls the first view to display a second view, maintaining the same granularity but shifting the start location to a different position within the same range. The second view covers the same area as the first but presents a different portion of the content, enabling precise navigation without altering the overall display structure. This approach enhances user control over content navigation, particularly in applications requiring detailed or granular adjustments.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the first user input comprises at least one of detecting that an input object is hovering over the control interface for a period of time.

Plain English Translation

A system for enhancing user interaction with a control interface, particularly in touch-sensitive or proximity-based input environments, addresses the challenge of distinguishing between intentional and accidental inputs. The system detects when an input object, such as a finger or stylus, hovers over the control interface for a predefined duration, interpreting this as an intentional user action. This hover-based detection mechanism reduces false activations caused by unintended touches or proximity events, improving the accuracy and responsiveness of the interface. The system may also incorporate additional user inputs, such as gestures or multi-touch interactions, to further refine control and prevent unintended operations. By analyzing temporal and spatial characteristics of the input object's presence, the system ensures that only deliberate actions trigger responsive actions, enhancing usability in applications like virtual keyboards, touchscreens, or augmented reality interfaces. The hover detection can be combined with other input modalities to provide a more robust and user-friendly interaction experience.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The system of claim 4 , wherein the instructions that scroll the first view to display the second view emulates a panning animation such that the control interface appears to be moving.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to user interface systems for electronic devices, specifically addressing the challenge of providing smooth and intuitive navigation between different views in a control interface. The system enhances user experience by simulating a panning animation when transitioning from a first view to a second view, making the control interface appear to move dynamically. This animation effect improves visual continuity and reduces disorientation during navigation, particularly in applications where multiple views or panels are displayed sequentially. The system includes a display device, a processor, and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to scroll the first view to reveal the second view while applying a panning animation. The animation mimics the natural motion of panning across a scene, creating a seamless transition that enhances usability. The system may also include additional features such as touch-sensitive controls or gesture recognition to trigger the panning animation, ensuring responsive and interactive navigation. By emulating realistic motion, the system provides a more engaging and intuitive way to interact with complex interfaces, particularly in applications like multimedia playback, mapping, or document viewing where smooth transitions are critical.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The system of claim 4 , wherein the instructions that scroll the first view to display the second view replace the first view with the second view.

Plain English Translation

A system for displaying and transitioning between views in a graphical user interface (GUI) addresses the problem of inefficient and visually disruptive transitions between different content views. The system includes a display device, a processor, and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to display a first view on the display device. The instructions further enable scrolling the first view to reveal a second view, where the scrolling action replaces the first view with the second view. This replacement ensures a seamless transition without overlapping or redundant display of both views simultaneously. The system may also include additional instructions for detecting user input to trigger the scrolling action, such as touch gestures, keyboard commands, or mouse interactions. The transition between views is optimized for performance and user experience, minimizing latency and providing a smooth, intuitive navigation experience. The system may be applied in various applications, including web browsers, document viewers, and multimedia players, where efficient view transitions enhance usability. The replacement of the first view with the second view ensures that only the relevant content is displayed at any given time, improving clarity and reducing cognitive load for the user.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The system of claim 4 , wherein the second user input comprises a selection of a scroll area of the plurality of scroll areas.

Plain English Translation

A system for interactive data visualization and navigation enhances user experience by providing dynamic scrolling functionality. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently navigating large datasets or complex interfaces by allowing users to interact with multiple scrollable regions simultaneously. Each scroll area corresponds to a distinct data dimension or interface section, enabling independent or synchronized scrolling based on user preferences. The system processes user inputs to determine which scroll area is selected and adjusts the display accordingly. When a user selects a specific scroll area from the available options, the system prioritizes scrolling operations within that area while maintaining the state of other scroll areas. This ensures precise control over data exploration without disrupting the overall interface layout. The system may also support gestures or commands to switch between scroll areas, further optimizing navigation efficiency. By dynamically responding to user selections, the system improves usability in applications such as data analysis tools, multimedia players, or multi-dimensional data visualization platforms.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The system of claim 4 , wherein the adjustment interface is overlaid over the control interface.

Plain English Translation

A system for user interface management in digital environments addresses the challenge of efficiently adjusting settings while maintaining primary control functionality. The system includes a control interface for primary operations and an adjustment interface for modifying settings. The adjustment interface is overlaid on top of the control interface, allowing users to access and modify settings without navigating away from the primary control interface. This overlay design ensures that the control interface remains visible and accessible, minimizing disruptions to the user's workflow. The adjustment interface may include sliders, buttons, or other input elements for fine-tuning parameters such as brightness, volume, or other configurable settings. The system dynamically updates the control interface in response to adjustments made through the overlay, providing real-time feedback. This approach enhances usability by reducing the need for multiple interface transitions and improving the efficiency of setting modifications. The overlay technique is particularly useful in applications where quick adjustments are necessary, such as multimedia editing, gaming, or industrial control systems. The system may also include features to minimize visual clutter, such as semi-transparent overlays or collapsible panels, ensuring that the primary control interface remains the focal point.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The system of claim 4 , wherein a first scroll area of the plurality of scroll areas corresponds to a first scroll speed, and a second scroll area of the plurality of scroll areas corresponds to a second scroll speed, wherein the first scroll speed and second scroll speed differ.

Plain English Translation

A system for controlling scroll speed in a user interface involves multiple scroll areas, each associated with a distinct scroll speed. The system allows users to navigate content by scrolling at different speeds depending on the scroll area they are interacting with. For example, a first scroll area may have a faster scroll speed compared to a second scroll area, enabling users to quickly traverse large sections of content in one area while more precisely navigating smaller sections in another. This variable scroll speed functionality enhances user experience by providing flexibility in how content is viewed and interacted with. The system may be implemented in applications where different sections of content require different navigation speeds, such as document viewers, media players, or data visualization tools. By dynamically adjusting scroll speed based on the scroll area, the system improves efficiency and usability for users.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The system of claim 4 , wherein the first view and the second view provide different focal points of the control interface.

Plain English Translation

A system for enhancing user interaction with a control interface by providing multiple views with distinct focal points. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently navigating and managing complex control interfaces, particularly in applications where users need to switch between different operational modes or perspectives. The control interface includes at least two views, each offering a unique focal point tailored to specific tasks or user preferences. The first view emphasizes certain interface elements or functionalities, while the second view highlights different elements or functionalities, allowing users to seamlessly transition between them based on their current needs. This multi-view approach improves usability by reducing cognitive load and enhancing task efficiency. The system may also include additional features such as dynamic adjustments to the interface layout, context-aware suggestions, or adaptive controls that respond to user behavior or environmental conditions. By providing tailored focal points, the system ensures that users can access relevant controls without unnecessary distractions, making it particularly useful in applications like industrial control systems, medical devices, or automotive interfaces where precision and speed are critical.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The system of claim 4 , including further instructions that cause the system to: determine an additional display that comprises a comparison between a third view of the control interface and the first view of the control interface, the third view providing an entire representation of the control interface; and provide the additional display, wherein the additional display is provided in response to the first user input; modify the additional display according to the second user input, wherein the modified additional display comprises a comparison between the third view of the control interface and the second view of the control interface; and provide the modified additional display.

Plain English Translation

A system for visualizing and comparing user interface modifications in a control interface is disclosed. The system addresses the challenge of tracking and reviewing changes made to a control interface, particularly in collaborative or iterative design environments where multiple users may modify the interface. The system captures and displays different states of the control interface, allowing users to compare them side-by-side or in an overlay format to assess the impact of changes. The system generates a first view of the control interface based on initial user input, representing a modified state of the interface. It also generates a second view of the control interface based on subsequent user input, representing a further modified state. The system then creates an additional display that compares a third view, which shows the entire control interface, with the first view. This comparison allows users to see the differences between the initial state and the modified state. The additional display is provided in response to the first user input. The system further modifies the additional display based on a second user input, updating the comparison to show the third view alongside the second view. This enables users to track incremental changes and assess the cumulative effect of modifications. The modified additional display is then provided, allowing users to review the latest state of the control interface in relation to its previous states. This system enhances transparency and collaboration in interface design by providing a clear visual representation of changes.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising: providing, by an electronic device, a control interface capable of manipulating electronic content, the control interface provided in a first control interface view of a plurality of control interface views and comprising a first degree of granularity and a first start time, the control interface covering a given area; receiving first user input at the control interface, the first user input indicating at least a request to manipulate the control interface; in response to determining the first user input has exceeded a threshold value, provide an adjustment interface, the adjustment interface comprising a plurality of scroll areas for adjusting a focal point of the control interface; receiving second user input at the adjustment interface, the second user input indicating an interaction with a given location within the given area; and in response to the second user input, modifying the focal point of the control interface by displaying a second control interface view of a plurality of control interface views based at least in part on the second user input, the second control interface view having a same granularity as the first control interface view and a second start time that is different from the first start time, the second control interface view covering the given area.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for manipulating electronic content through a control interface with adjustable focal points. The problem addressed is the need for precise and flexible control over electronic content, particularly in scenarios where users require fine-grained adjustments to the displayed content without altering the overall interface layout or granularity. The system provides a control interface that allows users to manipulate electronic content, initially displayed in a first view with a specific degree of granularity and a starting time. The interface covers a defined area and responds to user input. If the input exceeds a predefined threshold, an adjustment interface is displayed, featuring multiple scrollable areas that enable users to adjust the focal point of the control interface. Users can interact with specific locations within the defined area, and the system modifies the focal point by transitioning to a second control interface view. This second view maintains the same granularity as the first but has a different starting time, ensuring the content remains within the same display area. The adjustment allows users to dynamically shift the focal point without changing the interface's structure or detail level, enhancing usability and precision in content manipulation.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 13 , the computer-executable instructions further causing the processor to perform operations comprising: receiving additional user input at the control interface; and scrolling the second control interface view of the control interface to display the first control interface view based at least in part on the additional user input.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to user interface navigation in computing systems, specifically improving the transition between different views of a control interface. The problem addressed is the inefficiency and disruption caused by abrupt or cumbersome transitions when switching between control interface views, which can degrade user experience and productivity. The solution involves a method for smoothly scrolling between views in a control interface, enhancing usability and reducing cognitive load. The system includes a control interface with at least two views: a first control interface view and a second control interface view. The second view is initially displayed, and the system receives additional user input at the control interface. In response, the system scrolls the second view to reveal the first view, ensuring a seamless transition. This scrolling is based on the additional user input, which may include gestures, keyboard commands, or other interaction methods. The transition is designed to be intuitive and fluid, minimizing disruptions while allowing users to navigate between views efficiently. The invention may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof, and is particularly useful in applications requiring frequent view switching, such as multimedia editing, data analysis, or complex software interfaces. The smooth scrolling mechanism improves user engagement and reduces the time required to access different control functions.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 13 , the computer-executable instructions further causing the processor to perform operations comprising: in response to receiving the first user input, determining an adjustment interface for the control interface, the adjustment interface being overlaid over the control interface; and providing the adjustment interface to the electronic device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to user interface systems for electronic devices, specifically improving the usability of control interfaces by dynamically overlaying an adjustment interface in response to user input. The problem addressed is the need for more intuitive and efficient ways to modify settings or parameters within a control interface without navigating away from the primary display or disrupting the user experience. The system involves a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the electronic device to perform specific operations. Upon receiving a first user input, the system determines an appropriate adjustment interface tailored to the current control interface. This adjustment interface is designed to overlay the existing control interface, allowing users to modify settings directly without switching views. The system then provides this adjustment interface to the electronic device for display. The adjustment interface is dynamically generated based on the context of the control interface, ensuring relevance and minimizing user effort. This approach enhances usability by reducing the steps required to adjust settings while maintaining the primary interface's visibility, making it particularly useful in applications where quick adjustments are necessary, such as multimedia playback, gaming, or system configuration. The invention improves user interaction efficiency by integrating adjustment controls seamlessly into the existing interface.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 13 , wherein the adjustment interface comprises a plurality of scroll areas, wherein the plurality of scroll areas differ from one another in at least one of scroll direction or scroll speed.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing instructions for a graphical user interface (GUI) that includes an adjustment interface with multiple scroll areas. The scroll areas differ from one another in at least one of scroll direction or scroll speed, allowing users to manipulate multiple parameters simultaneously with distinct scrolling behaviors. The adjustment interface is designed to enhance user interaction with complex data or settings by providing independent control over different aspects of the interface. The scroll areas may scroll in different directions (e.g., horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) or at different speeds, enabling precise adjustments tailored to specific tasks. This feature is particularly useful in applications requiring multi-dimensional parameter control, such as audio mixing, video editing, or data visualization, where fine-tuned adjustments are necessary. The invention improves usability by reducing the need for sequential adjustments and streamlining workflow efficiency. The storage medium executes the instructions to generate the interface, ensuring consistent and responsive user interaction.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 16 , wherein the second user input corresponds to a scroll area of the plurality of scroll areas.

Plain English Translation

A system for interactive data visualization on a computing device processes user inputs to manipulate displayed data. The system includes a display screen showing a plurality of scroll areas, each representing a different data dimension. A first user input selects a scroll area, and a second user input corresponds to a specific scroll area from the plurality. The system adjusts the displayed data based on the second user input, allowing dynamic exploration of the data across multiple dimensions. The system may also include a touch-sensitive surface for receiving the user inputs, and the scroll areas may be arranged in a grid or other layout. The data visualization can be updated in real-time as the user interacts with the scroll areas, enabling intuitive navigation through complex datasets. The system ensures smooth and responsive interaction by processing the user inputs efficiently and rendering the updated visualization without significant delay. This approach enhances data analysis by providing a flexible and interactive way to explore multidimensional data.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 13 , the computer-executable instructions further causing the processor to perform operations comprising: providing a secondary display depicting the control interface in a third control interface view, the third control interface view corresponding to a full range of the electronic content; and in response to receiving the second user input, modifying the secondary display to depict the second control interface view in relation to the third control interface view.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to user interface systems for electronic content navigation, particularly for managing and displaying control interfaces across multiple displays. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and intuitive navigation of electronic content, especially when using multiple displays or complex control interfaces. The system involves a primary display and a secondary display, where the primary display presents electronic content, and the secondary display provides a control interface for navigating that content. The control interface can be displayed in different views, including a first view showing a subset of the content and a second view showing a different subset. A third view on the secondary display represents the full range of the electronic content, allowing users to see the entire scope of available content. When a user provides input to switch between views, the secondary display updates to show the second control interface view in relation to the third view. This ensures users can easily understand their current position within the full range of content. The system dynamically adjusts the secondary display to maintain context, improving navigation efficiency and user experience. The invention enhances usability by providing clear visual relationships between different control interface views, making it easier to navigate large or complex electronic content.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 18 , wherein the second control interface view is overlaid over the third control interface view, and wherein the secondary display covers a different area from the given area.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing multiple control interfaces on a display device addresses the challenge of efficiently organizing and accessing different control functions in a user interface. The system includes a primary display and a secondary display, each capable of presenting distinct control interface views. The primary display shows a first control interface view, while the secondary display presents a third control interface view. A second control interface view is overlaid on top of the third control interface view, allowing users to interact with multiple control functions simultaneously. The secondary display covers a different area of the display device compared to the primary display, ensuring that the control interfaces do not overlap in a way that obstructs visibility or usability. This arrangement enables users to access and manipulate different control functions without switching between screens or interfaces, improving efficiency and reducing cognitive load. The system dynamically adjusts the positioning and visibility of the control interfaces based on user interactions, ensuring optimal usability in various operational scenarios.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

February 25, 2020

Inventors

Mayank Thakore

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